Nikki Wollak is an Insights and Innovation Manager (a food scientist) at a flavor and beverage development company. Her job is all about making things taste amazing. From running taste tests to translating TikTok food trends into real product ideas, Nikki’s work lives at the intersection of science, creativity, and what consumers will be thirsty for in the future. Nikki shares how flavors are developed—from a spark of inspiration to a fully launched product on store shelves. She helps the scientists at her company make great tasting flavors and products by running taste tests, conducting other research studies, and helping to identify trends. She literally gets paid to eat and drink things! Plus, she observes and ask questions of others who are doing the eating and drinking.Whether it’s recreating the vibe of a childhood snack or exploring a bold new flavor combo, Nikki’s job is to help brands create products that are relevant, saleable, and desirable. Nikki dives into the fascinating world of sensory science, market trends, ingredient innovation, and how consumer feedback drives the flavors we love. We chat about:How considering viral Instagram drink hacks and TikTok cooking videos can show emerging trends that leads to innovation and future productsHow her team uses sensory science to measure taste, texture, aroma, and mouthfeelHow she combines data with market research and consumer feedback Contact Info:Nikki Wollak - GuestNicole (Nikki) Wollak (LinkedIn)Julie Berman - Hostwww.womenwithcooljobs.com@womencooljobs (Instagram)Julie Berman (LinkedIn)Send Julie a text!!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I absolutely LOVE being the host and producer of "Women with Cool Jobs", where I interview women who have unique, trailblazing, and innovative careers. It has been such a blessing to share stories of incredible, inspiring women since I started in 2020. If you have benefitted from this work, or simply appreciate that I do it, please consider buying me a $5 coffee. ☕️ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/julieberman Thank you so much for supporting me -- whether by sharing an episode with a friend, attending a LIVE WWCJ event in Phoenix, connecting with me on Instagram @womencooljobs or LinkedIn, sending me a note on my website (www.womenwithcooljobs.com), or by buying me a coffee! It all means so much. <3

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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